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Closure of Rochester's Murray Goulburn factory

Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said the closure of the Murray Goulburn factory at Rochester is a devastating blow for the town.

MG announced today the Rochester plant, which employs more than 150 people, will close in March 2018.

“Suppliers and local communities are living with the consequences of decisions that were made by those who have now left Murray Goulburn,” Mr Walsh said.

“The dairy crisis has hit local producers hard and the loss of more than 150 local jobs will be keenly felt in the town."

The closure was announced by MG today, as was a plan to 'forgive' the Milk Supply Support Package.

"Producers were already under pressure from average seasonal conditions when the MSSP was introduced and they’ve have endured a huge amount of stress and financial hardship as a result of it," Mr Walsh said.

“In 'forgiving' the MSSP payments, Murray Goulburn has confirmed what people had been saying since it was introduced – that it wasn’t fair and it would cost Murray Goulburn milk suppliers.

“The Andrews Government must ensure these workers have jobs to go to when the plant closes.”